Kubica closing in on F1 return with second Renault test

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Robert Kubica has rated his chances of returning to the pinnacle of motor sport at 80 or 90 percent, odds which warrant a second test with Renault.

The Pole whose F1 career was halted by a rally crash in 2011 completed an extensive test in Valencia last month, driving a 2012-spec Lotus E20 with the purpose of testing his physical ability behind the wheel.

Reports suggest that Renault will provide Kubica with a second test this year although no details have yet emerged as to when and where the run would take place.

"If you asked me how much I was realistically thinking that coming back to F1 was possible [before the test], I would have put myself up to 10 or maximum 20 percent chance," Kubica told Auto Express.

"Because the clock is running - not just the classification, but also [I am] getting older. F1 is going so fast that some people forget - not everyone, but some.

"Because I'm very realistic, and I'm keeping my feet on the ground, I'd put it at 80 or 90 percent."

Speaking at Goodwood's Festival of Speed last weekend where he ran up the hill in the Renault liveried Lotus he tested at Valencia, Kubica reiterated his positive feelinsg which follwoed his 155-lap run in the Spain.

"Once my comfort, or let's say limitation things, were gone in three laps, I could concentrate on trying to get back to the proper rhythm.

"I'm surprised how it felt; it felt for me like I hadn't driven for one month, not six years."

"My first target was to see if I could be capable of doing it. So this is more or less done.

"Second, let's say, realistically talking, is raising the game slowly and step by step. F1 is a tough competition and I have been away from racing a long time.

"I think most of the question marks I had are gone, and I'm very comfortable with it.

"Actually it was a huge relief for me because this test would have been a case of, 'Yes, I can do this' or 'No, I have to close the door on F1 forever'."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.